BY BHEKIMPILO WEZA
The Nkayi family that lost 21 herd of cattle that were poisoned following a breakdown in communication over a month ago can smile again after a group of people from Matabeleland rallied to help them restock.
A dark cloud enveloped the Mpofu family homestead after the beasts died one after the other in June after they were given a tablet each of aluminium phosphide, which is used for fumigating stored grain, seeds and tobacco, among others after a wrong message was communicated that the chemical was for dozing cattle.
The cattle belonged to Lindani Mpofu, who bought the pesticide from Bulawayo and sent it Nkayi via an intermediary, Orderly Mpofu who dozed the cattle and 97 year-old Jennet Ndlovu from Dolahali.
After the tragedy, locals and people in the diaspora that were touched by the Mpofu family’s plight organised themselves through a WhatsApp group fundraised to replace the herd.
A week ago, the Mpofu family received 16 herd of cattle and two more are on the way, the well-wishers said.
Bongani Moyo, one of the people behind the fundraising initiative, said over 8 000 rand and US$130 had been raised by last week.
One beast was also donated by concerned people from the region.
“We are grateful to those that have shown interest and contributed towards this.
“At least our relatives will have something to start from,” Moyo said.
“So far we have received 8 840 rand and US$130 and this is something which we are grateful for.
“We are aware that it’s not a lot of money compared to the loss, but it’s a great gesture from the friends from the diaspora.”
Nomuhle Ncube, a Nkayi villager who is part of the group of well-wishers, said neighbours had also donated $2 500, a goat and a cow.
The group, which consists of s Dolahali villagers, said the donation will help the Mpofu family rebuild their herd.
“It was a disaster,” said one of the villagers.
“It affected a lot of people, but we are happy because the family remained strong and through our group, farmers have promised to help them rebreed their herd and we will be part of this success.”